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Mount Washington Observatory

Citizen Science Puts Weather Reporting in Your Hands

A distant shower falls over Mount Martha, NH (aka, Cherry Mountain). 
If you’re anything like me, you probably have an app or two dedicated to weather on your phone. Maybe you have a preferred app for weather forecasts, another for radar data, and yet another for satellite data. Or maybe instead of apps, you have several go-to websites bookmarked for various weather data.
Weather information keeps us informed so that we can prepare appropriately for the weather ahead, short-term or long-term. With colder weather in the forecast, we might pack a few extra layers or pull in a few more logs for the stove. Or, we might receive a warning about a severe storm heading your direction, and so we pack up, head indoors, and keep an eye on its progress.
While your favorite apps or websites might be providing you with weather data, did you know there are a few apps/sites that you can utilize and provide current weather data to aid in research as a citizen scientist?
Here are some apps that I have on my phone and might be of interest to you:
Mountain Rain or Snow
Remote sensing is improving and aiding in filling weather data gaps. However, precipitation phase changes can be difficult over mountainous terrain, and weather stations only provide information at a static location. That is where human observations aid in detailing how precipitation phase changes vary in time and space. Using these apps, with a few taps you can send observations of precipitation during storms at your location.
Forecasting
NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory is collecting weather reports through the free app mPING. What’s “mPING?” It is an acronym for Meteorological Phenomena Identification Near the Ground. The data in turn help define the precipitation that is falling at your location and improve forecasts and radar techniques. That in turn filters down to improve those various other weather apps you might be using for forecasts and radar data.
Cloud Types and Sky Conditions 
GLOBE Observer Clouds can be used to observe clouds, mosquito habitats, land cover, and trees. With the cloud observation aspect, you can help document cloud cover, cloud types, cloud opacity, sky conditions, visibilities, and surface conditions along with photographic examples. It is a bit more involved than the prior reporting apps, but with a few taps and snaps, you can contribute your real-world observations for better understanding and interpretation of satellite data vs surface data.

Ryan Knapp, Weather Observer & Meteorologist

908, 2015

The Week (So Far) In Pictures

August 9th, 2015|Categories: Historical Posts|

The Week (So Far) In Pictures 2015-08-09 16:44:07.000 - Mike Carmon, Co-Director of Summit Operations   Wednesday   Our shift started off on a unique note this week, with the MWO Summit All-Staff Retreat taking place. For the first time in a long while, nearly all of

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708, 2015

Marty’s Big Day

August 7th, 2015|Categories: Historical Posts|

Marty's Big Day 2015-08-07 15:24:30.000 - Marty, Summit Cat   Hey guys, Marty here. I just wanted to let everyone know that this past week I was taken down for a veterinary appointment in the valley. The ride down was definitely not my favorite part; as many

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Mount Washington Observatory is a nonprofit research and educational institution working to advance understanding of Earth’s weather and climate.

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On Course for the Coldest February on Record

February 21st, 2015|Comments Off on On Course for the Coldest February on Record

On Course for the Coldest February on Record 2015-02-21 17:09:33.000 - Michael Kyle, Weather Observer/IT Specialist   As most of the Northeast can attest too, this winter seems to be one of the coldest winters

What a Difference 80 Years Makes

February 20th, 2015|Comments Off on What a Difference 80 Years Makes

What a Difference 80 Years Makes 2015-02-20 15:39:25.000 - Adam Freierman, Summit Intern   In addition to its famously extreme weather and unique location atop the highest peak in the northeastern United States, the Mount

A Great “Spring Break”

February 19th, 2015|Comments Off on A Great “Spring Break”

A Great "Spring Break" 2015-02-19 15:21:02.000 - Charlie and Jeanine Kinney, Summit Volunteers   Here we are mid-February and just closing the candy box on another holiday. The wind outside sounds like it wants to

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Mount Washington Observatory is a private, nonprofit, member-supported institution with a mission to advance understanding of the natural systems that create Earth’s weather and climate. It serves this mission by maintaining a weather station on the summit of Mount Washington, performing weather and climate research, conducting innovative science education programs, and interpreting the heritage of the Mount Washington region. Our weather station is located  on the summit of Mount Washington  in New Hampshire, at Mount Washington State Park.

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Did you know you can text ‘weather’ and ‘forecast’ to 603-356-2137 for current weather and conditions?
Alternatively, you can enable our Historical Weather Alexa Skill, or our Alexa Flash Briefing Audio forecast.

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